Image copyrightDorset County HospitalImage caption
Utility pipes which had contributed to the road collapse have been exposed

Mr Blackmore said his and other businesses had been badly hit since temporary traffic lights were put in place on the main road between Shaftesbury and Yeovil in Somerset, at the start of May.

He said he wanted to make a "popular feature" of the space which had become available to help his business which had seen a reduction in passing trade.

A 15m by 6m (50ft by 20ft) area of road directly outside the pub has been cordoned off with barriers and hay bales, providing seating for 30 customers.

"Business took a big nose dive for two weeks but we're fighting back and hope to keep business up," he said.

After drainage works began on the A30 Newell, at the junction with the B3148 Marston Road, workmen found the roof of a culvert was at risk of collapse, meaning the road closure was put in place for longer than originally planned.

The council said it was bringing in extra resources to ensure the work was finished by 24 June.